Separating the sheep from the goats

Jesus describes the judgment day in these words: “All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me’” (vv. 32-36 NLT). How will Jesus separate the sheep from the goats? And how will you know which one you are? Jesus says those on the right—the sheep—will be those who fed Him when He was hungry, brought Him water when He was thirsty, and gave Him lodging when He was lonely, clothing when He was naked, and comfort when He was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion doesn’t save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. But compassion is the consequence of salvation. The sheep will react with a sincere question: When? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you? Then Jesus will answer, “Every time you showed compassion—you did it to me!” Try to keep that in mind as you go through this day.